Eleven games in, 990 or so minutes played, penalties, goals, injuries, a mis-firing 34-year-old and an England hopeful banging them in.

This has been the story of West Bromwich Albion’s season so far.

Q. It’s been a reasonable start. Will Steve Clarke and, more so, the fans be happy?

A. I suspect so. There were blue lights flashing after the opening two homes games but the unlikely points taken at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge have given the season a different context so far.

People who recall football when it was black-and-white, and before Sky brought us around-the-clock presenter colour-co-ordination on loop, will tell you that no-one bothers with the League table before five games were played.

These are different times. Clarke is always two back-to-back defeats away from people questioning him.

Q. What have been the highlights and low points in terms of results?

A. Manchester United was the obvious highlight. It wasn’t fortunate, it wasn’t a ‘cup tie’ victory where the visitors panic for the final ten minutes.

This was a measured, controlled performance in which Albion were their own masters. They could, and should, have had more more goals.

Fulham, too, cannot be underestimated. Albion desperately needed to come away with a result that day.

Gareth McAuley’s last-minute goal was arguably the most important late strike since Paul Robinson flung himself at a header in a derby against Villa to help towards the Great Escape.

The low point was Swansea. A poor display overall. Albion got the thumping they warranted.

And, THAT penalty at Chelsea will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The five points – some might say seven if you count the shove on Shane Long against Arsenal – that never came will no doubt give Steve Clarke the monster of migraines.

Q. Saido Berahino has stood out. Is he ready for England?

A. Berahino has been an exciting side-show to this campaign. Quick, raw, clinical, exciting, in-form.

He has 12 goals to his name this season for club and country. But I don’t agree he should be in the England squad.

He has just two Premier League starts, with his most productive top-flight outings being those where he has come off the bench, with little pressure or expectation – everything which comes with pulling on a white England shirt.

No, leave Berahino where he is for now.

If he continues to play the way he is, then he’ll break into Roy Hodgson’s plans naturally.

We mustn’t forget that Hodgson remembers a cocky, strident youngster from when he was Baggies boss. That kid has grown up. But he has a lot to prove to an England coach who is a stickler for values, conduct and character. This is the bit Berahino needs to prove, as much as his footballing abilities. He’s started well.

He needs to continue that.

Q. And the contract?

A. That will come. Contrary to reports, he hasn’t rejected a deal. Nor are the figures of £7,000 a week (quoted elsewhere) correct. Albion have the upper hand in this right now. They have him contracted to the club until summer 2015, again contrary to reports claiming he can leave next summer. He either signs a bigger deal or he continues to earn £850-a-week. Either way, Albion won’t be in a rush to sell him any time soon.

It’s a calculated gamble by Albion, but the strength of bargaining currently lies in their favour given how long he has to run on his contract.

Let’s say his form dips – that would only strengthen Albion’s resolve. Should it improve, the Baggies have some serious thinking to do.

In any case it would be a big help to get this sorted out sooner, rather than later. The indications coming from the club in recent times is that they are close. His agent, however, continues to push away...

Q. What about Nicolas Anelka – not really done it so far has he?

A. This has been a bizarre episode. Anelka clearly isn’t firing. He hasn’t scored (though he should have had two versus Arsenal) and is lacking the sparkle we came to associate with his performances over the years. Raise such concerns with Albion’s coaching staff and they respond with genuine surprise – they are happy with his progress so far.

He he also needs to raise his game. Being upstaged by a 20-year-old isn’t what we expected.

Whether age has caught up or he has simply lost that competitive and mental ‘edge’, it’s hard to say.

Q. Foster v Myhill. Who keeps the place?

A. Tough one. Foster was so unfortunate to pick up this injury when he looked odds-on to replace Joe Hart in the England side.

Media outside of the Midlands really don’t appreciate how highly Hodgson regards the Albion No.1 – not only did he sign him for the club but he was pivotal in Foster changing his mind about his international exile.

Don’t be surprised if he emerges as a genuine challenger to Hart before the World Cup.

He’s a few weeks away from fitness yet, right now, I would be amazed if he breaks back into the Baggies side.

Myhill has earned a chance. Excellent reflexes, strong hands and playing as well as an in-form Foster does, he’s made himself difficult to drop.

Other than introducing a Shilton/Clemence rotation policy (as done by England boss Ron Greenwood when he couldn’t decide on his No.1 during the early 1980s), I suspect this might be one which gives Steve Clarke a lot to think about.

Q. So here comes the tricky period?

A. Albion traditionally stutter from November onwards.

Last season they stumbled to two victories from 12 Premier League games between the end of November and Ferbruary, and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the process.

Yet Albion now have a squad to not worry about injuries. They lack a goalscorer but are otherwise generally well-stocked throughout.

Additions? Jeremy Peace said he wants to run a 22-man senior squad. Albion now have 25 senior players, one of whom, Lee Camp, will most likely leave.

Unless that policy changes don’t expect many new signings in January - more likely a departure or two.